Injury picture positive after so many limped off on Sunday
The walking wounded that limped around the Vicarage Road pitch celebrating Sunday’s win over Luton Town should all be fit for the game at Stoke, with the exception of Kevin Keben.
Four of the team limped off during the 2-0 victory, but only Keben faces time on the sidelines – and even then there is a positive.
“Kevin is the one that is slightly more significant and we’ll lose him certainly for the next two games,” said Tom Cleverley.
“The positive with Keben is that it’s not his knee.
“The problem that has kept out him for most of the season has been with his knee, and when that happens and you’ve spent so long on the sidelines you often get a muscular injury when the demands are high.
“That’s all that’s happened with his hamstring.
“We’re gutted for him because he’s waited for such a long time but he’s mentally strong for a young player and he’ll hopefully be back before the international break, but definitely after it.”
Otherwise, the news from the treatment room was upbeat.
“Yasser Larouci trained today and will be available, and Moussa Sissoko is also available,” said Cleverley.
“Giorgi Chakvetadze has trained all week, he had muscle cramps.
“James Abankwah has trained today also, and his was more of a contact injury than an ankle sprain.”
The young Irish defender has impressed since joining on loan from Udinese.
“First and foremost his attitude means he will fulfil his potential which is exciting” said the head coach.
“I always think you can have as much potential as you want as a young player but the attitude is the thing that means you’ll fulfil it.
“He wants to listen and learn, and I can quickly see that’ll be a leader of the group.
“He has some fantastic attributes since he’s been consistently playing at centre-back.
“James has been magnificent for us, a really key component of the two clean sheets recently.”
Another arrival in January, goalkeeper Egil Selvik, has also impressed.
“Again Egil has been another really good addition from the January window,” Cleverley pointed out.
“He’s got to learn the league really quickly because he’s a smart guy.
“Again he’s a leader among the ranks and he has quality in his left foot, plus calmness in possession.
“He dealt with the aerial threat of Luton very well, and he’s been consistently good.”
The Hornets now have multiple options in the centre of defence.
“They are pushing each other. Everybody in the squad is pushing and we have a strong squad,” said Cleverley.
“It makes people perform to better levels and that’s the culture I want to create.
“Speed on the back line always helps you in a four, so James bring us that while Mattie Pollock has other important qualities: he’s fantastic on the ball, aerially and in duels.
“They complement each other nicely and I’ll have full confidence in whatever two lads play on Saturday.”
